Noma is a rapidly progressing, noncommunicable necrotizing disease that affects the mouth and face, primarily among children between the ages of 2 and 6 years living in conditions of extreme poverty. Closely associated with malnutrition, poor oral health, infectious diseases, and weakened immune systems, the disease can advance rapidly if left untreated. Up to 90% of noma patients die in the first two weeks if they don’t receive appropriate treatment in time. Survivors often face severe facial disfigurement, functional impairments, stigma, and social exclusion. Most reported cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa, although cases have also been documented in parts of the Americas and Asia. Importantly, noma can be prevented from progressing through early detection and timely intervention, including basic hygiene, nutritional support, and appropriate antibiotic treatment.

A major step towards nomal control

In December 2023, noma was officially added to the WHO list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), a key step towards increasing awareness, strengthening advocacy, mobilizing resources, and supporting its integration into the WHO NTD Road Map 2021-2030. More recently, WHO published the Noma Control Technical Brief (July 2026), providing countries, partners, and WHO teams with evidence-based guidance for planning, implementing, and monitoring noma control interventions within the framework of the NTD Road Map.

A roadmap for action

The technical brief summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology of noma and highlights persistent challenges in estimating its true burden due to limited data availability. It outlines strategic interventions for noma control, including early detection, case management, improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene, nutritional support, oral health care, community awareness, and integration into national health systems. The brief also sets global targets and monitoring indicators for 2030, including the integration of noma into national policies and information systems, and increasing the proportion of cases diagnosed at an early stage (stages 1-2).

Read the Noma Control Technical Brief

FDI Policy Statement on Noma

In 2022, FDI approved the policy statement Noma – eradicating a preventable disease to save lives, calling for greater awareness, early detection, stronger workforce capacity, enhanced research, and the integration of oral health into health policies and surveillance systems to support noma control worldwide.

Read the FDI policy statement on noma